Hint: Get all magic:
Go to the Lost Woods and speak with the Woodcutter. Use a knife to hit him and repeat this for a total of eight times to gain all magic.

Hint: Easy money:
In the town of Bon Harbor, play the casino game. Aim for the "#8" on the game board. "#8" is the CN Destro which can be used by a non-magic using party member, and sold for over 11,000 gold. With good timing you can easily get several and buy all the extra armor and weapons you need. With each miss you receive an item that you will need on the next trip, such as the Black Pearl which replenishes HP, the Miracle Nut which replenishes MP, and Water of Life, which revives party members that are knocked out.